Blog If You Love Learning: An Introduction to Weblogs in Education

Mark Wagner
Educational Technology and Life
mark@edtechlife.com

Slides

View larger (or download in Quicktime format): Blogging CAG 2008.mov

Outline

Interactive Demo

• What is a blog?
• What is the read/write web?
• What do these technologies mean for you and your students?
• View this post on today's date at http://edtechlife.com

The One-Way Web

• Powerful resource for educators and students, but…
• Information moves from publishers to consumers
• Information cannot be edited
• Read-Only Web
• Web 1.0

The Two-Way Web

• It is now as easy to create as it is to consume.
• Anyone can publish, share, and change information
• Read/Write Web
• Web 2.0
• This is changing our world!

Blogs

• Web + Log = weblog or “we blog”
• Easily created
• Easily updated
• If you can email, you can blog.
• Blogs allow visitors to comment.

Educational Blogs

• Teacher web sites Example
• Class web sites Example
• Learning journals Example
• Book Clubs Example
• Connect with Authors and Experts Example
• Pen Pals Example (See Global Awareness and Cultural Literacy Through Electronic Dialog)
• Professional Development Example
• Reflective Practice Example (Also, don't miss David Warlick's blog.)
• More Examples: http://www.supportblogging.com

Subject Specific Examples

• Algebra Example
• Art Example
• English Example
• Music Example
• Physical Ed. Example
• Science Example
• Social Studies Example

Better Blogging

• Read (Or Do), Reflect, Write, Respond
• Develop voice (and identity)
• Educational Role-Play
• Make a contribution
• Make connections
• Blog as a backup brain
• 25 Basic Styles of Blogging (and when to use each one)

Benefits

• Engagement and Motivation
• Context
• Inquiry
• Collaboration
• Reflection and Metacognition

Additional GATE Benefits

• Discovery and Self-Directed Learning
• Discussion and Debate
• Depth and Complexity
• Continuity and Comprehensiveness
• Ethical Standards
• Social and Emotional Development
• Unique and Original Expressions
• Positive Self Concepts
• Differentiated...

Concerns

• Information Literacy
• Inappropriate Content
• Inappropriate Sharing
• Threats and Cyber-bullying
• Intellectual Property (Check out creativecommons.org for alternative licensing.)
• Fraud and Identity Theft
• Stalkers and Predators
• Free Speech Concerns
• Lack of Understanding
• More Internet Awareness and Safety Resources: http://internetawareness.wikispaces.com

Proactive Strategies

• Citizen Journalism and Citizen Police Work
• Legal Protections
• Safety Tips for Students
• Safety Tips for Parents
• Communication and Empathy

Reflection

• What do you see as obstacles to your use of blogs in your class?
• What might you do to overcome these obstacles?

Blog Search Engines:
Technorati.com
Google Blog Search

Next Steps:
RSS - http://reallysimple.wikispaces.com
Wikis - http://wikiwhileyouwork.wikispaces.com
Podcasting - http://podcastined.wikispaces.com